MOUNT MAUNGANUI: Virat Kohli stepped in to defuse a tense exchange between India pacer Gurnoor Brar and New Zealand opener Tim Seifert during the fourth one-day international at Bay Oval on Friday.
Brar dismissed Seifert in the 12th over when the batter top-edged a pull shot off a short delivery and wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan took the catch. Seifert departed for 58 off 48 balls, ending an opening partnership of 85 with Will Young.
The young pacer celebrated animatedly in front of Seifert, walking towards the batter after the dismissal. Seifert appeared ready to respond before Kohli intervened and pulled Brar away. Umpire Chris Brown also appeared to speak to the bowler following the incident.
Tensions had reportedly been building between the two players. Seifert had earlier taken 14 runs off one of Brar’s overs during the Powerplay, hitting a six and two fours. The pair were also reported to have exchanged words before the dismissal.
Brar, 26, was taken out of the attack after the expensive over and brought back later. He has impressed on India's tour of New Zealand, taking seven wickets in the first two matches, including figures of 4 for 30 at Wellington and 3 for 44 in the opening match at Auckland.
Kohli’s intervention drew attention from commentators, given his own history of animated exchanges with opposition players.
India were led by Shreyas Iyer in the match, with Shubman Gill released from the one-day squad ahead of the Test series. Iyer elected to field after winning the toss. Kishan took over wicketkeeping duties in the absence of KL Rahul, while Ruturaj Gaikwad opened alongside Rohit Sharma.
New Zealand, captained by Mitchell Santner, were without Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell. Seifert and Young gave the hosts a strong start, reaching 72 without loss after 10 overs. Young went on to score his maiden ODI century against India as New Zealand posted 333 in their 50 overs.
India entered the match with a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. The third ODI in Hamilton had been washed out after India won the first two matches in Auckland and Wellington.
(With inputs from media reports)